GSTAAD, Switzerland -- Fifth-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu
became the second Frenchman to win the Swiss Open title by
defeating Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-7 (1), 6-4, 7-5 Sunday.
Playing in 104 degree temperatures, Seppi broke to lead 5-3 in
the third set, but Mathieu won four straight points to break back.
The 25-year-old Frenchman then broke again to lead 6-5 before
closing out the match for his second title this season and fourth
from five career finals.
Last year's champion, Richard Gasquet, was the first Frenchman
to win the clay-court title.
Mathieu improved to 3-0 against Seppi after also winning at 2006
Masters Series tournaments in Paris and Indian Wells.
Mathieu, who won his first title in five years at Casablanca in
April, lost to Andy Roddick in the fourth round of Wimbledon last
week to reach a career-high ranking of No. 28.
Playing in his first career ATP singles final, the 23-year-old
Seppi had been looking to become the first Italian to win the
tournament.